Several drivers shuffle positions in points standings at NHRA’s New England debut

With massive crowds and tremendous side-by-side racing, the NHRA’s first appearance at New England Dragway for the Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals was a debut that nobody will forget.

In Top Fuel, Spencer Massey claimed his second win of the season and 12th of his career, beating points leader Shawn Langdon in the final over Tony Schumacher to reclaim the points lead, though Massey contines to pick up steam in this rigorous stretch of four races in four weekends by advancing to his second straight final round.

“When you’re in Top Fuel, it’s going to be tough no matter what because you have to compete with the best of the best,” Massey said. “We had the time of our life this weekend.”

The father-daughter tandem of John and Courtney Force stole the Funny Car show in Epping, giving the capacity crowds many reasons to cheer.

They had the two dominant cars and met for the first time in a final, with Courtney slipping past her father to gain her second win of the season and third of her career.

Matt Hagan held onto the points lead in a class that somehow got tighter. Only 179 points separates the top nine drivers.

“It’s unbelievable. The fans here were so amazing,” Courtney Force said. “It was really exciting and this win really meant a lot for our team.”

In Pro Stock Allen Johnson used holeshot victories in both the semifinals and final to win his third race of the season.

In his quest for a second straight championship, Johnson gained ground on current points leader Mike Edwards beating him in the semifinals. No. 1 qualifier Jeg Coughlin is in third place in the standings.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, John Hall won for the first time in his career, beating rookie Adam Arana in the finals.

With the win, Hall made a major move in the points, jumping all the way up to second behind leader Hector Arana Jr. With his first finals appearance, Adam Arana moved intot he top 10.

Tickets to the 7th Annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, July 4-7, 2013 on sale now and can be purchased either ordering online at www.SummitMotorsportsPark.com/NHRA or via phone at 419-668-5555.